It is held with two handles. Using it to shoot rapid fire pulses directly into the enemy is a simple but effective method of destroying groups of enemies. However, the lack of rotation and peripheral vision exposes the user to attacks from the sides or behind.[1]

Due to the apparent lack of trigger, the gun may utilize the butterfly trigger system, in which the weapon is fired by squeezing the handles towards each other.

The presence of an Emplacement Gun usually hints at many enemies incoming.

When activated, the three panels protecting the cannon expand, releasing it, and the whole device slightly rises above its mount.

When used by a friendly NPC, it cannot be used by the player until the NPC walks away.

The Emplacement Gun includes an inbuilt flashlight, automatically switched on (during nighttime) when the post is manned.

When idle, the NPC manning the weapon randomly positions itself in left, right, up and down position.

On the body can be seen the alphanumerics "V952", also featured on other Combine devices.

In the courtyard inside Nova Prospekt, several Emplacement Guns mounted on watchtowers are manned by Nova Prospekt Prison Guards. Inside, one is found in cell block B4.

Two Emplacement Guns are used by Metrocops during the City 17 uprising, in the tunnel filled by Manhacks preceding the plaza where Alyx is kidnapped. Freeman is then allowed to use it against Manhacks and Overwatch Soldiers.

In Episode One, the first Emplacement Gun is featured under an Overwatch Sniper nest.

Right after, when Alyx takes on the Overwatch Sniper Rifle to provide cover for Gordon, an Overwatch Soldier is seen hidden behind metal plates firing at Antlions with another Emplacement Gun. Alyx quickly dispatches him after Gordon removes the metal plates with his Gravity Gun.

A third Emplacement Gun is found on the large plaza where the Antlion Guard is fought. Alyx uses it to cover Gordon while he blocks the Antlion holes with cars.

Another, unmanned Emplacement Gun is placed in the Technical Trainstation. It is mostly used by Alyx while Gordon escorts Rebels and Citizens to the platforms.

During their assault of White Forest, the Combine forces installed an Emplacement Gun in the secondary silo. Freeman quickly uses it to dispatch the remaining forces after closing the silo. This is its only appearance in Episode Two.